Montgomery Bell Academy - A Premier Independent School in Nashville, TN ~ International Exchange Programs

International Exchange Programs

MBA Spans the Globe: International Exchange Programs and Study Abroad Programs

As today's society becomes increasingly globally-minded, the ability to appreciate and understand other cultures becomes extremely important. In order to function in this world, one needs to step outside the boundaries of his life and see things from a different perspective. Montgomery Bell Academy recognizes this need and offers international exchange opportunities for both students and faculty at peer institutions in South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand. These programs add depth and scope to the overall MBA experience by offering participants a unique perspective on international education and broadening their cultural horizons.

Experience Another Culture

MBA's formal exchange program began in the 1997-98 school year with the British boarding schools of Eton College and Winchester College. It expanded in 2000 with the addition of exchanges to The Southport School in Australia (through 2007) and Michaelhouse in South Africa; in 2002 MBA initiated an exchange program with Kearsney College in South Africa (through 2004). In 2004 The King's School in Australia (through 2016) and Pan American High School in Costa Rica (through 2005) were added. In 2005, an exchange program with Lindisfarne College in New Zealand was initiated. Athens College in Greece (through 2010) and Melbourne Grammar School were added to the exchange program in 2008. During the summer of 2009, several faculty and students traveled to China on a cultural trip that has exciting prospects for future expansion. The addition of Christ's College, New Zealand in 2010 brought another dimension to our New Zealand exchanges and 2011 brought the Bishop's School in Cape Town, South Africa on board. In 2013 another Australia school was added to the travel opportunities - Christ Church Grammar School in Perth. These exchange opportunities are available for both students and faculty and range in length from three weeks to three months. At some of the host schools, participants stay on or near the campus in "houses" (dormitories). Other schools ask host families to house the visiting students.

As exchange participants, MBA students and faculty serve as the school's ambassadors to institutions abroad representing the school while having the experience of a lifetime. MBA is fortunate to have endowed money provided through the generous sponsorship of supporters like Dudley Warner '61 and the Whitson family to offset a number of the expenses of these exchanges.

Schedule of Exchanges for Students - All dates are subject to change

Michaelhouse: 4-5 weeks, mid-July to mid-August
Melbourne Grammar: 4-5 weeks, mid-July to mid-August
Lindisfarne College: 4 weeks, mid-June to mid-July
Christ's College: 3-4 weeks, mid July - mid August
Bishops School: 3-4 weeks, mid July - mid August

FAQs

List of 3 frequently asked questions.

Who chooses the exchange participants?

A committee including faculty and students who have participated in past exchanges and the headmaster select candidates who will be good representatives of MBA abroad.
What grade must a student be in to participate in an exchange?

Students must be juniors to apply and participate in the exchanges (with the summer exchanges immediately following the junior year). This requirement ensures a certain level of maturity and also gives participants the opportunity to serve on the selection committee for the following year's participants.
Are any of the exchanges more demanding than others?

Academically, no program is more demanding than any other. However, the Eton exchange that takes place during the "Lenten term," from January to March, tends to be the most challenging because of its timing - preceding the MBA first semester exams and into the beginning of the second semester. The MBA student chosen for the exchange is expected to work with his MBA teachers and the Academic Dean to facilitate the taking of his exams and coordination of his courses. While students are granted some flexibility in terms of their MBA workload, they are expected to be dedicated and academically capable of keeping up with their studies.

Application Deadlines

For Melbourne Grammar School, Lindisfarne College, Michaelhouse School, Christ's College, Bishop School: TBD

Application Process

Students: The Student Application Form can be found here.

Information about Exchange Schools

List of 5 items.

Bishops School - Cape Town, South Africa

Bishops is an independent boys’ school in Cape Town with a long history, a strong academic ethos combined with a commitment to all-roundedness, and a proud record of achievements. The school is confident that boys, through their experience of Bishops, will grow into fulfilled and responsible men. It is a high achieving school in all areas – academically, on the sportsfields, and in a wide variety of social and cultural activities. One of the strengths of a Bishops education has been the recognition of each individual’s special talent or interest so that we can assist it to develop. Structures within the school such as the House system and the tutor groups allow for much closer contact between boys, and between staff and boys, which enables recognition of both achievements and problems. http://www.bishops.org.za/
Christ's College - Christchurch, New Zealand

Christ's College, Canterbury is an independent Anglican secondary day and boarding school for boys, located in the city centre of Christchurch, New Zealand. Founded in 1850 by Reverend Henry Jacobs in Lyttelton as a school for early settlers, college is the oldest independent school in the country. https://christscollege.com/
Lindisfarne College - Hastings, New Zealand

Lindisfarne College, founded in 1953, is a Presbyterian Boys School located in Hastings, New Zealand. The school proudly takes its name from the early monastery, established in 634 A.D. off the Northumbrian Coast of England by St. Aidan. Each boy at Lindisfarne is placed in one of 4 'Houses'; Oswald, Durham, Aidan and Cuthbert - each named after early Christian martyrs or saints, and Christian worship is a vital element of College Life. The beautiful park-like surroundings of the school grounds, and the gracious old 3 storeyed "Homestead" building, have been nurtured and well maintained so that the College environment is a peaceful and pleasant educational environment for pupils and staff. The old tennis court area, dating from the 1900's, has evolved into the sweeping Homestead lawn, edged by flower beds, native ferns bordering the trickling stream and many marvellous old English trees. The College Council marked the new millennium with extensive renovations of the Homestead building, managing to keep its "Olde World" charm by employing skilled craftsmen to renew the wooden panelling, leather armchairs and tiled roofing. The "Homestead" now houses the staffroom, Rector's office, Boardroom and administration areas. For more information, visit the school's website at http://www.lindisfarne.school.nz/.
Melbourne Grammar School - Melbourne, Australia

Melbourne Grammar School is committed to being one of the world's leading teaching and learning institutions by offering young students the finest education. Our purpose is to enable students to look beyond what they think is possible to achieve the unimaginable. Founded in 1858, Melbourne Grammar School educates some 1,800 students from Prep to Year 12. It fosters excellence through learning and leadership and offers an educational experience ranging across intellectual, social, cultural, spiritual and physical pursuits. Melbourne Grammar's Senior School campus is centrally located in South Yarra, opposite the Royal Botanic Gardens, playing fields and parks. Senior students, some 780 day boys and boarders from Years 9 to 12, enjoy the most up to date learning facilities housed in historic, bluestone buildings. For more information, please visit the web site atwww.mgs.vic.edu.au/.
Michaelhouse - KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, South Africa

Michaelhouse, founded in 1896 by Anglican Priest Canon James Cameron Todd, is situated in the heart of the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands in South Africa. Michaelhouse aims to give boys a holistic education which encompasses all that they do. The school currently has an enrollment of over 530 boys. For more information, visit their website at www.michaelhouse.org.